Arts Minister Rachel Nolan announced yesterday the Southern Downs Regional Council has once again been successful in securing funds to run the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
“This money, combined with Councils contribution helps support the arts and cultural industry within our Region and develops both emerging and professional artists”, Cr Mally McMurtrie, Chair of the RADF Committee said.

“Council is very proud to administer the RADF program and we look forward to many new and exciting projects to fund over the coming 12 months”.
“The ongoing partnership Council has with Arts Queensland is an important one as it allows Council to nurture and support the artistic community, which seems to be more widespread and diverse than ever before”, she said.

The total amount of combined funding for the Southern Downs Region is $96,200 and the Minister is encouraging Councils to give funding priorities to projects that help contribute to community recovery after the devastating floods earlier this year.

“The arts and cultural sector of our community provides opportunities for shared cultural experiences, which can generate a sense of community belonging and pride”.

“I look forward to seeing this year becoming our biggest and most successful one yet, as RADF celebrates 20 years of funding arts and cultural projects”, she concluded.

Further information:

The first round of funding for this year will close at 5pm on Monday, 8 August 2011. Application packages are available from the Southern Downs Regional Council Offices, Art Galleries and Libraries in Warwick and Stanthorpe or by contacting Sue Organ on 4681 5524 or email sue.organ@southerndowns.qld.gov.au

Applicants should be aware that projects should not commence prior to approval being granted by the RADF Committee and Council and that grant monies will not be received until after the approval process is finalised.